The Council was established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly resolution 60/251 to succeed the work of the UN Commission on Human Rights and to strengthen the human rights dimension of the UN system. It comprises 47 member states elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term with the possibility of re-election to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Council meets regularly three times a year (in March, June, and September) and also when the need arises, usually following the outbreak of a human rights crisis. During its meetings, the Council discusses situations in individual countries as well as thematic issues pertaining to human rights in all states. The objective of the HRC is to address situations of human rights violations, to prevent such violations through dialogue and cooperation, to promote the implementation of human rights obligations, to give recommendations to the General Assembly for development of international law or to promote the human rights education. The Council also undertakes the Universal Periodic Review.

The Czech Republic is currently a Member State of the UN Human Rights Council for the term expiring on 31 December 2023.  Previously, it served as a Member during the first year of the Council's existence (2006-2007), from 2011 to 2014 and from 2019 to 2021. The Czech Republic is an active country in the Council, taking part in general debates and interactive dialogues as well as in negotiations of resolutions. At the September sessions of the Council in 2013, 2014 and 2018, the Czech Republic authored and negotiated a resolution on equal political and public participation that were adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by a large number of countries. In 2022 and 2019, it presented in cooperation with other countries resolutions on freedom of peaceful assembly and association which were adopted by consensus. It has presented its candidature to the Council for the elections in 2024.